the debt ceiling is announcing the amount of money the states can borrow. today the president responded to some republicans who say they are willing to shut down the government if the president doesn't back down. ultimately congress makes decisions about whether or not we spend money and keep the government open. if they decide they want to shut down the government in order to get their way they have the votes in the house of representatives to do that. i think that would be a mistake. >> john boehner responded the american people do not support raising the debt ceiling without reducing government spending statement. wendell, a government shut down, is that something that really might happen? neither side is ready to blink yet. he has laid out they are ready to compromise if possible that could lead to a government shut down although probably not right away. president obama suggested right before the u.s. the people at home might be told they have to wait for their money. >> if congressional republicans refuse to pay america's bills on time social security